How We See

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I came to Greece preloaded to adjust my expectations.

In Truth or Consequences, New Mexico—where I live—there are visible signs of poverty: squalor, aging infrastructure, the imprint of a depressed economy. We’ve grown used to that landscape. When I lived in New York City, I acclimated to the dramatic shifts between neighborhoods—immaculate parks and pristine blocks sitting right next to stretches of real decay.

Santa Fe, by contrast, tells a very different story—especially around the plaza. That historic center is polished and curated, a hub of branded luxury designed to dazzle tourists. But it’s a false reflection of the wider city. I once overheard a valet say that if you call the police from the plaza, they’ll show up in three minutes. Call from the outskirts—where most locals live—and you might wait half an hour.

So when we landed in Greece, I reminded myself: the unfamiliar always stands out. Our brains are wired with a negativity bias, designed to spot potential threats. But signs of safety and normalcy? They’re quieter, less flashy, and often go unnoticed. To counterbalance that bias, I made a conscious decision to look for the everyday markers of ease—children playing, brands, the quality of cars, the expressions on people’s faces, the tone of casual interactions.

And what I’ve observed in these first few days is a slower pace of life.

People linger at cafés for hours, not just talking to their tablemates, but chatting with someone driving by on a scooter (the unofficial vehicle of Athens). A bartender might jump in, or a stranger at a nearby table. Conversations spill outward, and there’s space—and time—for these spontaneous moments.

Children roam freely, unaccompanied. People wear real jewelry in the streets. Luxury brands like Prada are casually mixed with unidentifiable casual clothes. Nothing is flashy. And above all, there’s an abundance of friendliness—often paired with a sincerity that feels deeply rooted.

My first impression? Greeks feel safe. Even in a dense city like Athens—there’s an atmosphere of ease.

Yes, there’s decay on the buildings. Yes, there’s trash in the gutters and empty storefronts here and there. But Greece is still emerging from an economic collapse. Unlike other nations, they chose not to bail out their banks—a decision I respect. They chose the slow road.

As I try to understand how wealth and stability manifest here, what stands out is the lack of visible disparity. Most cars are modest—Toyotas, smaller European Chevys, other mid-range models. Clothing too is middle-of-the-road. I haven’t yet seen the extreme polarity of wealth I’m used to in the U.S.

In a way, it reminds me most of Portland, Maine—a culture that hugs the middle. A culture of we, not I.

And in that sense, I feel safe here—because the people around me seem to feel safe too.


(Caption: a dance class we walked past, filled with smiling people and to the tune of American pop music)


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